(4, 5]-RRB- When kale is damaged via chopping or chewing, the enzyme myrosinase helps release
isothiocyanates by interacting with glucosinolates.
Freshly harvested cruciferous vegetables eaten in raw form will typically have a significant percentage of their glucosinolates converted into
isothiocyanates by still active myrosinase enzymes and these isothiocyanates will become available in the upper digestive tract (small intestine) for absorption into the bloodstream.
Freshly harvested cruciferous vegetables not consumed in raw form, but chopped and allowed to sit for several minutes prior to cooking will typically have some of their glucosinolates converted into
isothiocyanates by still active myrosinase enzymes, and these isothiocyanates will also be available for absorption in the upper digestive tract.
Cooking these greens reduces the bioavailability of
isothiocyanates by destroying the enzyme needed to produce them from other substances in collard greens, according to an article published in «Pharmacological Research» in March 2007.
Not exact matches
[Xiantao Wang et al., «Selective Depletion of Mutant p53
by Cancer Chemoprevention
Isothiocyanates and Their Structure - Activity Relationships»]
According to a research conducted
by the Linus Pauling Institute, exposing them to heat hinders the work
isothiocyanates releasing enzyme, thus reducing the health effect of this magical ingredient.
«When cell walls are broken
by blending or chopping, a chemical reaction occurs that converts glucosinolates to
isothiocyanates (ITCs)-- compounds with proven anti-cancer activities,» Dr Furhman writes for The Kind Life.
However, given the desirability of
isothiocyanates from a cancer - preventing perspective, plus the unlikelihood of unwanted thyroid impacts from consumption of fresh cruciferous vegetables in everyday serving sizes, the cooking of cruciferous vegetables for the sole and exclusive purpose of lowering
isothiocyanate content does not seem backed
by sound research.
A cruciferous vegetable that is fully cooked
by steaming yields, on average, one - third the amount of
isothiocyanates as the raw vegetable would yield.
By contrast, radish sprouts produce largely the anti-cancer
isothiocyanate, sulforaphene.
Each of these glucosinolates can be converted into a corresponding
isothiocyanate (ITC) that can help lower our cancer risk
by supporting our body's detox and anti-inflammatory systems.
Transcription factor Nrf2 is essential for induction of NAD (P) H: quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutathione S - transferases, and glutamate cysteine ligase
by broccoli seeds and
isothiocyanates.
The chart below shows five very well - studied glucosinolates, the best cruciferous vegetables for obtaining them, and some key
isothiocyanates that form after the glucosinolates have been acted upon
by myrosinase enzymes:
You would be right to assume that this means raw kale contains more
isothiocyanates capable of absorption
by the body than cooked kale.
Konsue N and Ioannides C. Modulation of carcinogen - metabolising cytochromes P450 in human liver
by the chemopreventive phytochemical phenethyl
isothiocyanate, a constituent of cruciferous vegetables.
Isothiocyanates (ITCs) formed from glucosinolates are known to help prevent cancer
by several different mechanisms.
Researchers believe that the protection offered
by cruciferous vegetables is mainly due to their content of sulforaphane, an organosulfate compound in the
isothiocyanate group.